AREA LICENSING SCHEME IN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for Communications whether his Ministry has completed its review of the Area Licensing Scheme in the Central Business District and if he will consider ending the operational hours on Saturdays at 10.30 a.m.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the latest review of the Whole-Day Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) was completed in February 1995 following a comprehensive traffic survey done in January 1995.

Based on the results of this survey, I announced in this House on 14th March 1995 that, with effect from 6th May 1995, the ALS hours on Saturdays will end one hour earlier, ie 2.00 pm instead of 3.00 pm.

My Ministry will continue to monitor the traffic situation in the CBD and we will make adjustments to the ALS where necessary to ensure an even and free flow of traffic in the area.